Since it's a business trip, ask your employer to pay for E+. It's a long flight, and tell them you need the extra space due to ... Maybe you'll get lucky, and they'll pay for it.

In regards to the status, the Mileage Plus credit card offers many of the same benefits as Silver with the exception of:
- upgrades which are not applicable on most international flights, and Silver rarely get
- E+ at check in, if you're traveling alone it's not a problem, but when you want seats together, it could be challenging.

I do agree with many of the posters that it's a personal choice for business class vs Y. Business is a lot more comfortable, but it's nice not having to spend the money. Y+ is a lot nicer than Y especially if you can get an exit row where the people in front of you can't lean back into your row.